Fingal County Council said it is appealing for information following the "callous killing of iconic stag" that was found beheaded in one of its parklands in north county Dublin
The stag's head was removed from the grounds of Newbridge House in Donabate and staff say they have no doubt it was taken as a trophy.
The animal's body was discovered when staff went to feed the herd of Irish red deer.
They say the herd of 16 Irish red deer have been kept in a fenced area of the grounds of Newbridge House for more than two decades and that nothing of this nature has ever occurred before.
The stag, who was eight years old, was one of two in the herd.
Mayor of Fingal Councillor Tom O’Leary condemned the incident, adding that it is "truly shocking that someone would carry out this act".
In a statement, Mr O’Leary said he had visited the park with his granddaughters "who really enjoyed meeting the stag and deer".
"A wonderful animal to behold close up," he added.
He appealed for anyone with information to contact the gardaí or the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
"It is illegal to kill deer without a licence and I hope that the perpetrators can be brought to justice," Mr O’Leary said.
The Foreman of Works at Newbridge House and Traditional Farm said those who work at the site are "absolutely shocked" by the incident.
"He was a lovely stag with a beautiful pair of antlers and was a big favourite with the public who walk through the park," Ivan Smith said.
Gardaí said they are investigating a reported incident of wildlife crime which is believed to have occurred on farmland in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
In a statement, they said the matter is also under investigation by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and inquiries are ongoing.
